Edward Shaughnessy

EDWARD SHAUGHNESSY

NORTHAMPTON, MA - Edward J Shaughnessy passed away on August 7, 2025. He didn't go softly into the night because he felt he could play in one more golf tournament and could hear about one more of his Smith Vocational students who was now a success in one of the trades.

Ed was born to Thomas and Frances Shaughnessy in Northampton on April 3rd 1941. He had four siblings:Mary, Tom, and Fran who are deceased. His youngest brother Michael ( Hannah ) was tireless in his loving care of Ed during his final illness.

Ed attended St. Michael Elementary School and High School. He was an outstanding athlete in high school. Basketball was his favorite sport. He always said "if only I was a little taller". His high school best friend, Dave Shaw became his lifelong friend.

Ed earned a degree in education and continued to play sports at Westfield State University. His college roommate, Ron Orlandi became another lifelong friend. Being a teacher was a perfect profession Ed was born to be a teacher. He began his career teaching elementary school in Easthampton. He loved his students and many approached him as adults to tell him he was their favorite teacher.

Brad McGrath, the Superintendent of Smith Vocational encouraged him to apply for a teacher/coaching position at Smith Voke. That became the start of a 40 year career as teacher, coach, and administrator at Smith Voke. A student never passed through the school's doors who Ed didn't believe could succeed. He coached baseball throughout his time at Smith Voke. The ballplayers were often working at a cooperative learning position. They would come to the field in their work clothes as working men, they would put on their baseball uniforms and become boys again. He loved that about Smith Voke baseball.

In retirement Ed worked for 20 years at Czelusniak Funeral Home. This made his retirement meaningful. When Ed got sick, Jay kept trying to figure out ways he could continue working. Ed felt he was part of a family when he was working at the funeral home.

His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Barbara Charron Craig. They had two children, Shannon Greenwood (Brian) and Mark Shaughnessy (Anna Jo).

He was married to his second wife Jane Nagle for 40 years. He became Sarah Bisaillon-Scoble's (Peter Scoble) father when she was 8 and he became part of her and her mother's family.

Ed has grandchildren who are his legacy to the world Scoble family: Zachary (Iva Scoble-Kurki), William (Madison Manser), Elizabeth-Pie (Shane Callinan) and Grace. Greenwood family Devon ( Travis Larson); children Andres and Ingrid; Aiden (Riley); children Willa and Lainey); Tyler (Sophie Shaughnessy family Mark (Ana Jo) children Edmond and Olivia.

Anyone who knew Ed knew his passion for golf. In his final hours he was planning his Labor Day golf tournament. Throughout his illness his two friends Tom Parent and Jack Hogan visited him often they worked to keep his spirits up by talking about all their golf experience together During his final weeks Cooley Dickinson Hospice took loving care of Ed. His personal helper, Moe was beyond kind as he made sure Ed was comfortable and peaceful.

Calling Hours for Ed will be Monday August 11, 2025 at the CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 173 North St, Northampton from 4 pm to 6 pm. The funeral will be Tuesday August 12, 2025 at 11 am at the St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. In place of flowers a gift to Smith Vocational and Agricultural athletic fund would be appreciated. Please go to CZELUSNIAKFUNERALHOME.COM for online condolences and Tribute book.